Promises To Keep is a splendid, evenly paced story and absorbs the reader in its ever twisting plot. In addition, Ms. Crandall does an attractive job: her chapters are united, yet carry various storylines. Nevertheless, it is the secondary characters that really sell this story! Crandall has created wonderful characters bursting with believability. The reader knows these people; these are characters that frequent every small town!

PROMISES TO KEEP is as powerful as the growing feelings between Molly and Dean. It is a book about relationships; family relationships, romantic relationships and friendship. It is a book about trust and forgiveness. The secondary characters are probably some of the best I’ve read. Lily and Clay from THE ROAD HOME have a big part in this book as does their son Riley and his friend Mickey. As the mother of a teen, I connected with Riley and his relationship with Mickey touched my heart. Their story gives us just a sample of the pressures and hang-ups teens are dealing with today.

Susan Crandall is at the top of her game. It’s no wonder that she won a RITA Award for ‘Best First Book’ with BACK ROADS. PROMISES TO KEEP is one of those books that stay with you long after you’ve finished. Although it’s the fourth book in the Glens Crossing Series, it can be read independent of the other three. I am eager to read BACK ROADS and THE ROAD HOME. I’ve already read MAGNOLIA SKY and loved it almost as much as PROMISES TO KEEP. Props to Ms. Crandall… I like your style and I will cherish PROMISES TO KEEP.

With determination and grit, Molly Boudreau gained her lifetime goal to became a doctor. She specialized in pediatrics, but works for money in Boston General’s emergency room and for love at a free clinic. One of her patients is a woman unlike her usual clinic patients. Since Sarah Morgan first came for prenatal care, the two women have become friends, even though Sarah shares nothing about her life. Molly suspects she’s in hiding from some abusive situation. On the day the clinic is closing for lack of funds, Sarah arrives moments before giving birth. Molly delivers a healthy baby boy and sends mother and child to Boston General for a check up. When she attempts to visit them that evening, Sarah and little Nicholas are nowhere to be found…

PROMISES TO KEEP is Ms. Crandall’s fourth book set in Glens Crossing. If you’ve missed the earlier books, you can start anywhere to catch up. You’re in for a special treat if you do.

Another fantastic story by Susan Crandall. She writes these deeply moving stories that grab at your heart and never lets go. This one could have turned to violence and the emphasis could have been on the suspense and danger, yet never does. Instead, it dwells on the human element and downplays the violence. So-o-o good!

…Ms. Crandall always delivers a touching, well-written story and she doesn’t fail the reader this time. I was a little cynical about Molly’s willingness to give up everything for the baby, I admit. But I liked Molly and Dean, who was a little of a lost soul, trying to find a relationship with a sister he’s already lost. You’ll enjoy this book!

…When Molly moves back to Indiana, she lives briefly with her sister and this causes some tension. Her family is not accepting her the way she hopes they will. Molly’s teenage nephew Riley adds an extra dimension to the story and presents a solid theme. The reader sees and experiences his social life and also meets his first love, who happens to baby-sit for Molly. Not only do I like this babysitter, Mickey, but I also find the character of Hattie to be wonderful. Hattie, who looks like a wisp of a lady with a frail demeanor, is a babysitter for little Nicholas too. First appearances are deceiving — Hattie has incredible strength and knowledge. Simplistic as Hattie is (and she is), she still teaches Dr Molly and also this reader.

When situations happen that shake Molly’s foundation, quick page turning happens because you need to know how the story ends. The author is successful presenting two story lines at the same time, interconnecting them but yet each story holding its own. I enjoyed the book!

…As this novel moves forward it shifts in point of view by way of handful of characters each with their own complicated storyline. While the novel is primarily Molly’s story the lines between main and secondary characters are often blurred as each has a heavy interest in the outcome. Along the way, Molly finds out more about herself than she ever thought possible and more about the others folks in her life, both friends and family, and that help can come from unexpected places. Rich in characters and settings, this multi storyline read moves steadily forward in all aspects to a satisfying ending sure to delight fans of this author and genre.